By: centraljersey.com
Staff photo by Charles W. Kim
Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Travis L. Francis administers the oath of office to Mayor Frank Gambatese Sunday at the Senior Center. Staff photo by Charles W. Kim
Superior Court Judge Travis L. Francis gives Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray the oath of office at the Senior Center Sunday.
Gambatese
8GAMBATESE
Mary Brienza
Staff writer
Mayor Frank Gambatese and Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray started their respective third terms in office Sunday at noon with a room full of family, guests and other dignitaries.
"(2010) was the most difficult year we have had to deal with," Mr. Gambatese said after taking the oath of office from Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Travis L. Francis, who is also a township resident.
Mr. Gambatese complimented township employees and their unions for helping the municipality deal with budgetary troubles caused by the recent recession and a drop in the assessed tax base of the community.
The township staff took 12 unpaid holidays last year, and the unions did not get a salary increase this year, Mr. Gambatese said.
The mayor said the township is already looking at being about $1 million down for the 2011 budget due to anticipated increases in health insurance costs and pension funding.
"That is even before we start to look at the 2011 budget," Mr. Gambatese said.
On the bright side, Mr. Gambatese said construction fees charged to new businesses waiting to come into the township have increased by about $400,000 so far, and at least five new corporations may join the community in the coming year.
"That is a plus," Mr. Gambatese said. "I will give you all the strength I have for the next four years."
Mr. Gambatese said he felt the election in November was a "re-affirmation" that the governing body is on the right track, and that the current mayor and council "are there for all the people" of the township.
"(We want to) thank all the people, who came (today)," Mr. Gambatese said. "People have always been kind and generous to me."
Mr. Gambatese, 74, has served on the governing body for 13 years, and been through 5 elections.
"It is not easy to come in with a low budget and provide the high level of service (we do)," Mr. Gambatese said. "(It is) not going to be the easiest four years (but South Brunswick will be) one of the first to turn things around."
Mr. Gambatese said that under his previous two terms, the town has purchased some 2,000 acres of open space and opened three new parks so residents would have someplace to go to relax and enjoy.
Mr. Gambatese took his oath of office surrounded by his family including his wife Ellen, children and three of 11 grandchildren.
Mr. Gambatese saluted his wife Ellen for supporting him throughout his political career, which included a stint as Mayor of West Paterson in Bergen County years ago.
"I especially want to thank my wife, (I can’t) thank her enough," Mr. Gambatese said. "(This is) what I chose to do. (This is) a great, great township."
Mr. Killmurray also took his oath as a councilman from Judge Francis and was joined by his wife, children and a niece.
"If you look up fairness and integrity-you would see a picture of (Judge Francis)," said Mr. Killmurray, who is also an attorney said he appeared before Judge Francis several times in the past.
The recession impacted the most at the local level, Mr. Killmurray said.
"Schools have the toughest job in the township," Mr. Killmurray said."(We have) a high level of services (and) a responsible budget,"
Mr. Killmurray said. "(We) want what is best for South Brunswick residents (and we will) listen to residents."
Township Council members are expected to return Mr. Killmurray to the Deputy Mayor’s position during last night’s scheduled reorganization meeting.

